What is the antonym of “incumbent”?
The antonyms of incumbent are optional and voluntary. The antonyms optional and voluntary describe something that is not required or necessary.
Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
optional
Available to be chosen but not obligatory.
Example
The final project for the course is optional, but it can help boost your grade.
voluntary
Done, given, or acting of one's own free will.
Example
She decided to take on the voluntary project to help the community.
How are these antonyms different from each other?
- 1Optional implies a choice or decision that is not required.
- 2Voluntary implies an action or behavior that is done willingly and without coercion.
Good things to know
- 1Instructions: Use incumbent when describing something that is required or necessary. Use optional and voluntary when describing something that is not required or necessary.
- 2Legal Documents: Use incumbent in legal documents to describe obligations or requirements.
- 3Social Settings: Use optional and voluntary in social settings to describe activities or events that are not mandatory.
Remember this!
The antonyms of incumbent are optional and voluntary. Use incumbent when describing something that is required or necessary, and use optional and voluntary when describing something that is not required or necessary. These words have different nuances, with optional implying a choice and voluntary implying willingness.
